Government bows to pressure to scrap allied health cap for veterans
The Australian federal government has abandoned plans to cap allied health care spending for veterans at $5,000 per year following significant backlash. Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh confirmed the measure is off the table after advocacy groups and the Coalition criticized the potential impact on healthcare access.
Why it matters
The reversal highlights the political sensitivity of veteran welfare and the influence of advocacy groups on government policy.
Matt Keogh says the government's plan to cap allied health for veterans is "off the table". ( ABC News: Ian Cutmore )
The federal government has scrapped a plan to cap allied health care for veterans at $5,000 a year.
The proposal had been criticised by veteran advocacy groups and the Coalition, who said it would create barriers for ex-servicemen and women.
Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh said he would continue to engage with veterans to create a fairer system.
Link copied Share Share article The Albanese government has bowed to pressure, scrapping a plan to cap allied health services for veterans at $5,000 a year.
The proposal would have imposed an "annual monetary limit" on services such as physiotherapy and dentistry, with veterans able to access more funding if they "demonstrated clinical need".
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